Thalamus and consciousness: a systematic review on thalamic nuclei associated with consciousness.
Frontiers in neurology January 1, 2025 Martina Cacciatore, Francesca Giulia Magnani, Filippo Barbadoro et al. 11 citations
A systematic review of 167 articles over the past 20 years examined which thalamic nuclei are most involved in consciousness. Most evidence (284 out of 346 pieces) pointed to the intralaminar nuclear group, especially the centromedian-parafascicular complex (CM-Pf), as key for generating, modulating, and maintaining the level of consciousness. Although studies varied widely in methods (brain stimulation, anesthesia, brain damage) and populations (healthy and pathological humans, animals), the findings consistently support a central role for CM-Pf. These results reinforce the rationale for brain stimulation therapies targeting CM-Pf in disorders of consciousness and suggest other potential thalamic targets for intervention.